A fine iron strongbox cabinet by artisan blacksmith Karl Winkler of St. Petersburg, circa 1890Elaborately wrought, small strongbox cabinet with lavish décor of wrought iron and cast iron. The rectangular box on the associated base of finely wrought volute-shaped feet. The strongbox cabinet with two hinged wing doors, the original hollow shank key is included. Lavish embellishment of openworked iron relief on a gilt background. Monogram plaques with "OK" and "KP"(?) appliquéd on the doors, the side panels with crossed anchors and sceptres plus a harpy. A manufacturer's plaque mounted on the side, engraved with the name "Kunstschlosserei K. Winkler St. Petersburg". Projecting corners with finely wrought columns and leaf ornaments. A delicately chased frieze of hammered, openworked sheet iron above the doors. The multiple stepped cornice with lavish relief decoration, inscribed "1865-1890". The interior mirrored with two glass shelves. The old loop to attach the cabinet to the wall is included. Dimensions 165 x 71 x 38 cm, inner dimensions approx. 49 x 45 x 23 cm. Now ideal as a house bar or watch safe.Karl Winkler, a German engineer and artisan blacksmith, founded a successful wrought iron workshop in St. Petersburg. He worked there as purveyor to the court, making latticework for Massandra Palace built by Tsar Alexander III in the Crimea, for example.Condition: I - II